Barbara L Mitchell

Barbara L. Mitchell (Richards), age 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 16th , 2023 at the
home she shared with her daughter Inge Leland, in Greenville, South Carolina. She was the beloved wife
of the late Benjamin Mitchell, who predeceased Barbara in 2020.
Barbara was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 3rd , 1939. Barbara was the only daughter of four
children. Her brothers- Adrian, and Donald Richards predeceased Barbara. Lonnie “Mickey” Richards
survives.
Affectionately known as, “Babs” or “Aunt B.”, Babs lived an ordinary/extraordinary life. Education was a
priority in the Richards household which drove Barbara towards a career in nursing. She was an
accomplished, hardworking, and dedicated Registered Nurse for over sixty years. Barbara used her
nursing skills and became an entrepreneur as she established a school to train home health aides, and
then later served as a consultant to train home health aides with several agencies in the New York City
area. Even after she retired in the mid 2,000’s, Barbara was first and foremost a nurse to which she was
the first to let anyone she encountered in the medical field to know this!
Aside from her extensive career, Barbara raised three daughters- Rayvn, Inge, and Camille with the
belief of education was important and perseverance through tough times would help to conquer life’s
challenges.
Barbara was a kind and generous woman who was always the first to step in to help those who needed
it whether it was family or friends. It was never uncommon for friends and neighbors to adopt her and
Ben as their infectious demeanors made them beloved to all.
Her memory will live on in each of our hearts as we go on with our days. We will remember her coveted
ham and macaroni and cheese dishes that she always cooked on holidays. Her professed love of nature
that was a focal point on the plants that she would revive and maintain in her home.
We will also remember her love of travel, having taken several cruises to Europe and the Caribbean. She
has imparted her daughters with her love of reading and writing and specifically her love of movies!
Whenever we hear the James Bond theme, it will be hard to not think about her. Ultimately her lasting
gift to all of us was to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Whether it was from a good meal. A good
movie or a shopping trip to Walmart, the little things made her happy.
She is survived by her three daughters: Rayvn Manuel, Inge Leland and Camille Haggerty (Michael). Her
grandchildren: Christian Leland, Ashli Maldonado, and Daniel Link. A great grandchild, Eden. Her niece,
Cheryl Richards and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and adopted friends who became family
along the way.
Lastly, the family would like to thank Open Arms Hospice care for their compassion in treating Barbara in
her last days.
Services will be private for immediate family with a gathering to be hosted later.

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